United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa), located in Nairobi, Kenya, is a premier private institution known for its diverse student body and globally accredited programs. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) is one of its flagship undergraduate offerings, designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the healthcare industry. With the growing demand for qualified nurses in Kenya and beyond, understanding the USIU-Africa BScN fee structure for the 2025-2026 academic year is essential for prospective students and their families. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the fees, admission requirements, payment options, and additional insights to help you plan effectively.
Why Choose USIU-Africa for Your Nursing Degree?
USIU-Africa, established in 1969 as a Nairobi campus of the United States International University, has grown into an autonomous institution accredited by both the Commission for University Education (CUE) in Kenya and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in the United States. The BScN program stands out for several reasons:
- Global Accreditation: Dual accreditation ensures graduates are recognized locally and internationally, enhancing career prospects.
- Diverse Community: With nearly 7,000 students from over 70 nations, USIU-Africa offers a multicultural learning environment.
- Practical Training: The program emphasizes clinical exposure, supported by a dedicated nursing lab and partnerships with healthcare facilities.
- Holistic Education: Combines medical sciences, nursing practices, and patient care with leadership and ethical training.
This article delves into the 2025-2026 fee structure for the BScN program, effective from May 2025, covering tuition, mandatory fees, and additional costs for Kenyan, East African, and non-East African students.
USIU-Africa BScN Fee Structure 2025-2026: Detailed Breakdown
The fee structure for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at USIU-Africa is structured per semester and varies based on the student’s residency status (Kenyan, East African, or non-East African). Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the costs for the 2025-2026 academic year, as outlined in the official USIU-Africa fee schedule.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are calculated based on 25.5 units per semester, with different rates for Kenyan/East African and non-East African students:
- Kenyan and East African Students: 25.5 units @ Kshs. 14,000 per unit = Kshs. 357,000 per semester
- Non-East African Students: 25.5 units @ Kshs. 18,200 per unit (30% above local rates) = Kshs. 464,100 per semester
Mandatory Fees
In addition to tuition, students are required to pay several mandatory fees to support university services and facilities:
- Library Fee:
- Kenyan and East African: Kshs. 5,250 per semester
- Non-East African: Kshs. 6,825 per semester
- Medical Fee:
- Kenyan and East African: Kshs. 2,500 per semester
- Non-East African: Kshs. 3,250 per semester
- Student Activity Fee:
- Kenyan and East African: Kshs. 1,050 per semester
- Non-East African: Kshs. 1,365 per semester
- Alumni Services Fee: Kshs. 350 per semester (same for all students)
- Nursing Lab Fee: Kshs. 10,700 per semester (same for all students)
- Technology Fee: Kshs. 3,500 per semester (same for all students)
- Caution Money (payable once, refundable): Kshs. 2,100 (same for all students)
- Quality Assurance Fee (payable once upon admission): Kshs. 1,000 (same for all students)
- Medical Insurance (mandatory for non-Kenyan and boarding students): Kshs. 8,000 per semester
Total Semester Costs
Combining tuition and mandatory fees, the total cost per semester is:
- Kenyan Students: Kshs. 383,450
- East African Students: Kshs. 391,450
- Non-East African Students: Kshs. 501,190
These costs are payable per semester, with two semesters in an academic year, resulting in annual costs of approximately:
- Kenyan Students: Kshs. 766,900
- East African Students: Kshs. 782,900
- Non-East African Students: Kshs. 1,002,380
Other Charges
Additional fees may apply depending on the student’s circumstances:
- Admission Application Fee (non-refundable): Kshs. 3,500
- Re-admission Application Fee (non-refundable): Kshs. 3,500
- Graduation Fee: Kshs. 8,500
- Gown Deposit Fee: Kshs. 8,500
- I.T Lab Fee: Kshs. 6,000 (as applicable)
- Pupil’s Pass Fee (non-East Africans only): USD 101 per year (approx. Kshs. 13,800)
- Alien Registration Fee: Kshs. 2,200
- Transcript Fees:
- Official: Kshs. 1,000
- Postage (Africa): Kshs. 500
- Postage (Outside Africa): Kshs. 900
- Credit Transfer Fee: Kshs. 2,500 per course
- Certificate Storage Fee: Kshs. 100 per day (pegged at Kshs. 6,000 maximum)
- Add/Drop Fee: Kshs. 600 per course
- Late Registration Fee: Kshs. 2,100
- Alumni ID Card (valid for 3 years): Kshs. 1,000
- ID Card Replacement: Kshs. 2,000
- Audit Fee: 50% of tuition per course
Accommodation and Meal Plans
For students opting to live on campus, additional costs include:
- Room Only: Kshs. 42,000 per semester
- 7-Day Meal Plan (@ Kshs. 600 per day): Kshs. 58,800 per semester
- Caution Money (refundable, payable once):
- Boarding Students: Kshs. 4,778
- Day Students: Kshs. 2,100
These costs are separate from tuition and mandatory fees and should be factored into budgeting for the academic year.
Payment Options and Instructions
USIU-Africa offers multiple payment methods to ensure convenience and flexibility. Below are the key payment details:
Bank Deposits and Wire Transfers
Payments should be made to one of the following bank accounts, with the deposit slip forwarded to the Finance Office:
- NCBA Bank Kenya Ltd:
- Branch: Upper Hill Branch, Mara & Ragati Roads
- KES Account: 6438840014
- USD Account: 6462210014
- SWIFT Code: CBAFKENX
- Co-operative Bank of Kenya:
- Branch: Co-op House, Haile Selassie Avenue
- KES Account: 01120002134100
- Standard Chartered Bank Kenya:
- Branch: Kenyatta Avenue
- KES Account: 0104023439700
- Kenya Commercial Bank:
- Branch: Thika Road Mall
- KES Account: 1179516710
- SWIFT Code: KCBLKENX
- Absa Bank Kenya PLC:
- Branch: Westlands
- KES Account: 2037727558
- USD Account: 2047249840
- SWIFT Code: BARCKENX
Note: Cash payments are not accepted at the Finance Office. Students must include their Student ID and purpose code (e.g., TUIT for tuition) when making payments.
Mobile Money Payments (M-PESA)
To pay via M-PESA:
- Go to M-PESA and select Lipa na M-PESA.
- Choose Pay Bill.
- Enter Business Number: 516900.
- Enter Account Number: Student ID followed by the purpose code (e.g., 664XXX-TUIT).
- Input the amount and PIN, then send.
Online Card Payments
To pay via Visa or Mastercard:
- Log in to the CX Student Portal (https://cx.usiu.ac.ke).
- Navigate to My Account Info under the Student Tab.
- Select Make a Payment, input the semester and amount, and proceed to the Secure Payment Portal.
- Enter card details (number, expiry date, CVN) and follow prompts to complete the transaction.
For inquiries, contact the Finance Office:
- Email: finance@usiu.ac.ke
- Tel: +254 730 116 509 / 221 / 538 / 403 / 224
- Address: P.O. Box 14634-00800, Nairobi, Kenya
Admission Requirements for BScN at USIU-Africa
To enroll in the BScN program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- KCSE Requirements: Minimum mean grade of B- with C+ in English/Kiswahili, Mathematics/Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Alternative Qualifications:
- Two principal passes at A-Level in relevant subjects.
- A Diploma in Nursing from a recognized institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Additional Documents:
- Official high school leaving certificate and transcripts.
- One recent passport-size photograph.
- Copy of birth certificate or national ID.
- Non-refundable application fee: Kshs. 3,500.
- For international applicants: CUE equation certificate for foreign qualifications and proof of English proficiency (if applicable).
Applications can be submitted online via the USIU-Africa website (www.usiu.ac.ke) by following the “Click Here to Apply Online” link.
Comparison with Other Kenyan Universities
To provide context, let’s compare USIU-Africa’s BScN fees with other Kenyan universities offering nursing programs:
- Kenya Highlands University (KHU):
- Annual Cost: Kshs. 241,875 (plus Kshs. 10,000 NCK indexing fee for first-year students).
- Note: KHU’s fees are lower, but USIU-Africa offers dual accreditation and a more diverse campus environment.
- Kenyatta University (KU):
- Annual Tuition (Self-Sponsored): Approximately Kshs. 275,400, with additional costs pushing the total to around Kshs. 300,000.
- Note: KU is a public university with lower fees for government-sponsored students, but USIU-Africa’s international accreditation adds value for global careers.
- Mount Kenya University (MKU):
- Annual Tuition: Approximately Kshs. 375,000.
- Note: MKU offers flexible payment plans, but USIU-Africa’s facilities and global recognition are competitive advantages.
USIU-Africa’s higher fees for non-East African students reflect its international accreditation and premium facilities, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking global career opportunities.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
USIU-Africa is committed to making education accessible through various financial aid options:
- Financial Aid Office: Offers assistance to students to meet educational costs, including loans and work-study programs.
- Scholarships: Available for academically excellent and financially needy students, often supported by the Mastercard Foundation and other partners.
- HELB Loans: Kenyan students can apply for loans through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
- External Bursaries: Students can seek funding from county governments or private organizations.
Contact the Financial Aid Office via admit@usiu.ac.ke or +254 730 116 290 for guidance on application procedures.
Why USIU-Africa’s BScN Program is Worth the Investment
The BScN program at USIU-Africa offers significant value for students:
- Career Prospects: Graduates are prepared for roles in hospitals, clinics, NGOs, and international healthcare organizations, with opportunities to pursue licensure exams abroad.
- Advanced Facilities: The nursing lab fee supports state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring hands-on training.
- Global Network: With over 17,000 alumni across six continents, USIU-Africa provides unparalleled networking opportunities.
- Diverse Curriculum: Covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing theory, and clinical practice, aligning with international standards.
Tips for Managing Nursing Education Costs
To navigate the financial demands of the BScN program, consider these strategies:
- Budget Early: Account for tuition, accommodation, meal plans, and additional fees like books and uniforms (approximately Kshs. 10,000–20,000 annually).
- Apply for Financial Aid: Submit applications for scholarships and HELB loans well in advance.
- Use Flexible Payment Options: Leverage M-PESA or online card payments for convenience.
- Explore External Funding: Seek bursaries from county governments or private foundations.
- Plan for Non-East African Fees: International students should budget for the 30% premium and additional costs like the Pupil’s Pass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does it cost to study nursing at USIU-Africa in 2025-2026?
The total cost per semester is Kshs. 383,450 for Kenyan students, Kshs. 391,450 for East African students, and Kshs. 501,190 for non-East African students, excluding accommodation and meal plans.
2. Are there scholarships available for nursing students at USIU-Africa?
Yes, scholarships are available through the Financial Aid Office, including Mastercard Foundation scholarships and other merit-based or need-based awards.
3. What are the payment methods for USIU-Africa fees?
Payments can be made via bank deposit, wire transfer, M-PESA, or online card payments (Visa/Mastercard). Cash is not accepted at the Finance Office.
4. What are the admission requirements for the BScN program?
Applicants need a KCSE mean grade of B- with C+ in English/Kiswahili, Mathematics/Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, or equivalent qualifications.
5. Does USIU-Africa offer accommodation for nursing students?
Yes, room-only accommodation costs Kshs. 42,000 per semester, with a 7-day meal plan at Kshs. 58,800 per semester.
The USIU-Africa Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is a premium choice for students seeking a globally recognized nursing education in Kenya. With a semester cost ranging from Kshs. 383,450 to Kshs. 501,190 depending on residency status, the program is an investment in a rewarding career in healthcare. By leveraging financial aid, flexible payment options, and strategic budgeting, students can make this high-quality education accessible. For more details, visit www.usiu.ac.ke or contact the Finance Office at finance@usiu.ac.ke.
